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Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 7 Oct 2003

Vol. 571 No. 4

Written Answers. - Special Educational Needs.

Jackie Healy-Rae

Question:

297 Mr. Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Education and Science the steps he intends to take to ensure that a person (details supplied) in County Kerry who was receiving two hours resource teaching at home will be granted this amount again; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22275/03]

An official from the special education section of my Department recently made contact with the parent of the pupil in question regarding an application for home tuition for the current school year.

On receipt and consideration of the completed application form, my officials will advise the parents of the outcome.

Jackie Healy-Rae

Question:

298 Mr. Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason a person (details supplied) in County Kerry, who is registered as a blind child and is also epileptic, has been refused a classroom assistant. [22276/03]

I am aware of the case referred to by the Deputy.

When the application in question was initially made, no professional report was submitted and, on that basis, no resources could be approved.

However, a professional report for the pupil in question was recently received in the special education section of my Department. Following review of this documentation by the National Educational Psychological Service, sanction has now been given for 23.30 hours special needs assistant support per week and 3.5 resource teaching hours per week for the pupil in question. A letter to this effect issued to the school authorities on 6 October 2003.

Jackie Healy-Rae

Question:

299 Mr. Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Education and Science when persons (details supplied) will be allocated the resource teaching and classroom assistants they require; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22277/03]

I am aware of the case referred to by the Deputy. I understand that professional reports in support of the applications received in December 2002, January and February 2003 were only made available in July 2003.

All applications for special educational supports received between 14 February 2003 and 31 August 2003 will be examined on the basis of the supporting professional report(s) and in the context of resources already available at the school. The process involves an examination of each application and supporting documentation by a dedicated team of inspectors and psychologists. The schools concerned will be informed of the outcome as early as possible in the current school year.
Question No. 300 answered with Question No. 262.

Richard Bruton

Question:

301 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the proposed education model for pupils with severe and profound disabilities which has been developed by St. Michael's House; and his plans for the putting in place and rolling out of this model as a practical option for children with such disabilities. [22279/03]

I am aware of the proposed education model for pupils with severe and profound disabilities that has been developed by St. Michael's House. Officials in the special education section of my Department are considering the proposal at present and will convey a response to St. Michael's House as soon as possible.

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